The season opened with a “Wow!”, a program of 20th Century music: Stavinsky Symphony in C, Schoenberg Concerto in D, cellist Tamas Varga, Stravinsky Scherzo a la Russe, and George Antheil A Jazz Symphony. The cello concerto, originally written for Pablo Casals, is a neo-classical work modeled on a Baroque harpsichord concerto by Georg Matthis Monn. Mr. Vargas is the principal cellist of the Vienna Philharmonic. ( Add superlatives. ) One reason to love NWS is the programming. We have the opportunity to hear so many works that are not the standard fare. The program concluded with an amazing performance of George Antheil, A Jazz Symphony ( 1925 original version ), which was conceived for the stage and directed by Michael Tilson Thomas. Choreographed by Patricia Birch, the performance featured 2 amazing dancers, video, lighting, and oh the costumes! Antheil, an American composer, was living in Paris in 1925, and his music is infused with all that jazz. Michael Tilson Thomas re-created an evening Le Jazz Hot!
